We are calling for urgent reform of the laws governing Lasting Power of Attorney (LPOA) and the oversight responsibilities of the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG).

Current legislation allows LPOAs to be registered with minimal scrutiny even when there are clear conflicts of interest or procedural irregularities. In multiple cases, LPOAs have been used to restrict access to vulnerable individuals, limit family involvement, and control decision-making without adequate checks or accountability.

There are documented instances where LPOAs were certified by professional associates of the appointed attorneys and witnessed by individuals with close personal ties contrary to the impartiality standards outlined in Section 10 of the LP12 guidance. Despite these breaches, the OPG has registered such arrangements and failed to act when concerns were raised.

Local authorities have also demonstrated inconsistent safeguarding responses, with some investigations halted prematurely or concerns dismissed without follow-up even in situations involving potentially harmful medical decisions or restricted access to care.

In some cases, LPOA authority has been extended beyond its lawful scope, including attempts to control posthumous arrangements such as funeral planning and attendance, despite the absence of legal justification.

This pattern of oversight and deflection leaves vulnerable individuals at risk and families without recourse. It undermines public trust in safeguarding frameworks and exposes critical gaps in the legal protections intended to prevent abuse of power.

We are calling for:

• Mandatory impartiality checks during LPOA registration
•  Stronger safeguarding enforcement powers for local authorities and the OPG  
• Legal penalties for individuals who knowingly circumvent LPOA guidance  
• Clear boundaries for the use of LPOA authority before and after death  

We urge Parliament, the Ministry of Justice, and the Office of the Public Guardian to act decisively. These reforms are essential to protect vulnerable adults, uphold family rights, and ensure that legal instruments like LPOAs are used ethically and lawfully.

We also call on:

- Ben Goldsborough, MP for South Norfolk, to raise these concerns in Parliament and advocate for urgent legislative review  
- Amy Holmes, Chief Executive of the Office of the Public Guardian, to address documented failures and commit to transparent reform  
- Antonia Romeo, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice, to initiate an independent inquiry into systemic safeguarding gaps  

Please support this petition and help drive change. Vulnerable people deserve to trust the system designed to protect them.